Everyone, almost, start out from seeds.
Non-Hydro Method of Growing. Many people swear by hydro but unless you have experience and the ability to monitor lots of things dirt is the way to go.
Dirt Farming – requires dirt, not just dig it up dirt but potting soil in a bag. Generally I use Miracle Grow Indoor potting soil but any good potting soil that has white flecks in it (perlite) will be good. Soil has lots of advantages the best being it offers everything the plant needs to reach maturity right there. With timers for watering and such you can even leave it for a few days without worry of them dying.
Planters: Starting from seed, standard seed starter trays work well. 2-inch square planters also work well to start seeds and grow plants.
Starting seeds: I’ve used a variety of ways to sprout seed. I am currently using dirt to sprout. A small amount of dirt, then the seed and a small amount of dirt on top. Then into a warm place with lights on.
The method I used to is to put 7 or more layers of paper towels on a plate, then a few seeds and a single layer of paper towel over them. Keep them wet and around 80 degrees F. Usually within a couple of days, to a week, you should see the seeds sprouting. When they have a small (1/4-1/2″) root, put them into a 2×2 container with dirt, and place a small amount of dirt over the seed. Keep it moist and in a day or two, you’ll see plants start to erupt from the ground. Make sure they are under indoor grow lights at full power.
Either way you want to watch the plants as they may have seed hulls or membrane that keeps the leaves from spreading open. Don’t be afraid to help them. Be careful not to over water or let them dry out. Too much water and they get a rot, too little they die of thirst. You can also use peat pellets or other starting methods using dirt. Whatever works best for you.
Sprouts n Vegetative Growing room: In your growing room during the growth cycle, you want the lights on 24/7, with no off time. You want to keep an eye on your new sprouts as they start to grow. At first, they will have round leaves, but the next set will be serrated like your regular cannabis plant. See more in my seed sprouting video.
You want to keep the lights close to the plants, but not so close as to burn them. Generally, they will reach for the light even when they have more than enough, so watch them and do not be afraid to move the lights and plants. Do not make them strain for the light. You will see them bend towards the light, so move and rotate them around so they grow quick and straight.
You might, probably, will see your seedlings straining for the light and maybe even fall over. To prevent this don’t worry about giving them some support like this picutre.
When plants are young, they are more susceptible to disease and rot. Once they get several inches tall, they are getting into the “we gonna grow” stage.
Depending on how you want your room to continue, depends on what you do next. I prefer to use the Sea of Green method of producing cannabis flowers, but others prefer to grow their plants tall, bend stems and other things I’ll go into in another article. See “Grow Cannabis 102” for more information on the Sea of Green method.
Eventually you will need to transplant. For more details on that watch
Types of Seed: find more details about seed here
There I hope that gives you the basics of growing cannabis indoors.